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Morocco vs. France: Match Preview and Analysis

Morocco and France have met four times in official fixtures with the first being in a 1998 friendly which Morocco won on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 draw”.

After making history by becoming the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semifinals, Morocco now faces an even more daunting challenge—defeating reigning World Champions France.

Also Read: In Dramatic Fashion, Morocco’s Fairytale at the World Cup Continues

The French national team, the defending champions, has also been impressive throughout the World Cup and they’re heading into the semifinal game as favorites. However, Morocco has developed a reputation as the giant slayer at this world cup. With victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, the Moroccans will aim to continue their run of causing upsets against the two-time World Champion.

France national teamFrance Head to Head Against Morocco

Morocco and France have met four times in official fixtures with the first being in a 1998 friendly which Morocco won on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 draw. They also met again in 1999 with France winning 1-0, and in 2000 where France won 5-1. Their most recent meeting came in 2007 where they played a 2-2 draw. Overall, France has won two of its encounters with the Moroccans, Morocco has won once and they played a draw once.

The game on Wednesday will be the first official competitive fixture between Morocco and France. In the 1960s, Morocco and France faced off in unofficial competitive games in the Mediterranean games.

Pre-Match Analysis

France currently has the best scoring record at the 2022 World Cup with 11 goals, while Morocco currently has the best defensive record at the tourney. With just one goal conceded from open play throughout the tourney, Morocco’s Yassine Bono is en route to winning the golden gloves at the World Cup.

MoroccoAlso Read: Kylian Mbappe: Why Paris Saint-Germain believe star’s new €105m contract will pay for itself

Throughout the tournament, captain Romain Saiss has been at the heart of the Moroccan defense, combining with either West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd or Real Valladolid’s centre-back Jawad El Yamiq. The Moroccan backline is completed by PSG’s fullback Achraf Hakimi at the right-back position, and either Noussair Mazraoui or Yahia Attiyat Allah at the left-back position. The midfield trio of Ounahi, Amrabat, and Amallah have been consistent performers, and it is expected that they’ll start against France.

With 5 goals and 2 assists, Mbappe is on a roll to become the top scorer at this World Cup, and his potency in front of the goal is probably the greatest challenge the Moroccans face. Olivier Giroud with 4 goals is also another threat to the Moroccan defense.

While their attack is probably their greatest asset in this tournament, their defense is probably their greatest defect. With five goals conceded already, the French defense has not really turned up and this flaw was exploited by the English team as Les Bleus conceded two penalties in their quarterfinal game.

Will France be a Back-to-Back Finalist?

The last team to play at back-to-back World Cup finals were the Brazilians from 1994 to 2002. However, this current crop of French players is a golden generation with the potential to surpass the achievements of the France ’98 winning squad by reaching back-to-back World Cup finals.

France national teamThis generation of players has as their star attraction, 24-year-old Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe who became the youngest Frenchman to win a World Cup at the 2018 World Cup is already one of the most experienced players in the French team with 54 caps and 26 goals under his belt. The team also includes other members of their world cup winning squad such as Antoine Griezzman, Raphael Varane, Hugo Lloris, and Olivier Giroud, among others.

Also Read: Mbappe Signs Deal with Gaming Platform, Sorare

If France goes on to make the final and win the World Cup, it will make Didier Deschamps only the second coach in history to win two World Cups after Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938.

Mbappe vs Hakimi

Mbappe vs HakimiSince moving to PSG in 2021, Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe have developed a bond both on and off the pitch, and this game will be the first time both players will meet on opposing sides since becoming teammates.

Given the importance of the roles both players play for their national teams, will this game

David Olujinmi

David Olujinmi studies Engineering but his true passion is research and analysis. He writes about finance, particularly the capital market, investment banking, and asset management. More »

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